Wednesday, February 16, 2011

And the only thing that has pulled me back: two very different and very strong books I have recently finished reading.

The first of these books is "Water for Elephants" by Sarah Gruen - a book like nothing I have read before. I must admit the writing is very basic and straightforward, but the content, quite unique! A story about the circus - unique. A story that flashes back and forth between youth and old age and captures each emotion vividly - unique. I won't say much about the story because it is worth the read. I will, however, say that I have a whole new persective of the circus and what goes into it, a deeper understanding of love and the need to protect, and a greater respect for those that age and are left behind but are still living beings that need a bit of love and care. I think I've changed a little with this book, in a way that I know I'll never be the same again.

Soon after I finished the first book, I started one called "A Fresh of Breath Air" by Amulya Malladi. I have a confession: I have never cried reading a book or watching a movie, and then very silently, this book came into my life and pulled out a few tears from my stoic soul. It was such a simple book, yet so powerful. It was like a Hindi movie, but one done so well and based on such true events that it forces you to get involved. I think the characters of this book will stay with me for a long time - Anjali, the girl who grew into a strong but tired woman; Sandeep, the calm infallible husband who secretly has his insecurities - my favorite character; and Prakash, the one you want to hate, but feel sorry for as well. And of course the other numerous characters that are peppered flawlessly through the pages. Especially the character of Amar, a child whose name turns out to be terribly ironic.

I want to say so much more about these books, and go on about the stories and the plot, but that is up to you to read - which I highly recommend. However, I'm going to leave this post here, simply by saying and knowing that I will never be the same again. Not after the experience of these beautiful, heart felt novels!